Cash-strapped revellers 'stay in'

Cash-strapped revellers are staying in over the Christmas period as the credit crunch takes effect, a survey has shown.

One in four admitted they were now more likely to entertain guests at home rather than flash the cash at a pub, restaurant or club.

Research by online cocktail resource, mixxit.co.uk, shows that almost half (49%) saw a drop in festive partying this Christmas.

The biggest party of the year - New Year's Eve - is expected to take a hit from the economic downturn with the UK anticipating a nationwide "sit in", with the report suggesting many people are opting for home-hosted parties.

This surge in home entertaining is also fuelled by our desire to impress friends and experiment, with 43% saying that they like to wow their guests with something different and original and a further 75% refusing to compromise on the quality of products.

The report also shows Londoners entertain at home more than any other UK region, but people in Norwich are the most generous guests.

Scots confess to being the least confident hosts in the UK with Londoners topping the confidence chart

Midlanders are the UK's stingiest party guests and are the least likely to bring a bottle or two to a friend's home. Welsh people are the most creative cocktail shakers and makers at home.

Celebrity bartender and online host of mixxit.co.uk, Wayne Collins, said: "With the country feeling the pinch, it's little surprise that home hosting is replacing conspicuous consumption.

"Home entertaining has been on the rise over recent years but the trend has been boosted by people looking to save money. But that doesn't mean you have to comprise on fun or standards."